The Nigerian Police Force has advised voters participating in the ongoing Edo State gubernatorial election to return home after casting their ballots,Daily Trust reports.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, made this statement during a special edition of Channels Television’s Politics program dedicated to the Edo election.
According to Daily Trust, some political leaders had encouraged Edo voters to stay behind and protect their votes to prevent electoral malpractice. Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, while speaking in Benin, urged Edo voters to defend their ballots during the Saturday poll. “You can’t come here and steal votes. Therefore, protect and defend your vote. Ensure your votes are counted,” Atiku said. “Escort your votes and see that they are announced. If you do this, no one can alter the outcome, and you will win on September 21.”
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However, Mba emphasized that voters should cast their ballots and then return home, stating that only accredited individuals would be allowed to move around.
“It is important for parents and everyone to understand that if you are not accredited to perform any election-related function, you should not be on the streets. Simply come, vote, fulfill your civic duty, and return home,” Mba said.
Regarding the issue of vote-buying, the DIG acknowledged that it is a challenging offense to manage but vowed to hold offenders accountable.
“Vote-buying is one of the most difficult crimes to police and manage, and I say this with complete honesty,” DIG Mba explained. “This is because much of it happens out of sight—in private spaces such as bedrooms, away from law enforcement and public scrutiny. We can’t monitor every household. However, our commitment is to address those instances that occur publicly, and any that our security network detects.”
Earlier, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun imposed restrictions on movement in Edo ahead of the election to safeguard the integrity of the process. The IGP also banned all security aides and escorts from accompanying VIPs to polling stations and collation centers.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was announced that the IGP ordered a restriction on all forms of transportation—roads, waterways, and others—from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on election day. Exceptions would be made for essential services, accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.
Seventeen candidates are competing for the governorship position at the Dennis Osadebe House in Benin City.
